As we considered this past Lord’s Day in our study of 1 Pet. 2:13, the essence of submission is “willingly and joyfully obeying the will of another.” God calls us to submit to Him, and the human authorities He has established. The test of faith in this is that often, in the providence of God, our submitting will result in our suffering on this earth. How can we learn to faithfully submit, even when it means suffering?

Jesus Christ alone is our hope! Let me encourage you to spend much time meditating and praying through 1 Pet. 2:21-25, looking to the pattern and sufficiency of Christ! He is not only our preeminent example in submitting and suffering, but He is also the One who now strengthens us to follow in His steps. He shepherds us by helping us learn to humble ourselves under God’s mighty, caring hand, continually casting our cares upon Him (1 Pet. 5:5-7.)